Tech Talk: Preparing for the grid of tomorrow

Conventional reclosers can often do more harm than good, allowing through the full fault current up to four times when testing for faults. This is called the fault multiplier effect, and this can cause damage to cables, transformers, and equipment, as well as reduced power quality.

And with the rise of renewable energy sources, unidirectional power flow will no longer be the norm – this will require a protection device that is able to recognise changes in power direction.

Ofgem has recently published its Sector Specific Methodology Decision for the RIIO-ED2 price controls. As part of this it has emphasised the importance of DNOs maintaining and improving world class reliability, including keeping short interruption to a minimum.

Recent breakthroughs in overhead distribution system protection can provide alternatives to conventional automatic circuit reclosers. Recent developments have provided solutions that accommodate advanced distribution automation functions, provide SCADA functionality, and offer significant benefits for radial line protection.

PulseClosing Technology dramatically reduces the amount of fault current let through during fault testing and significantly lessens short interruptions for customers on a main feeder. PulseClosing technology reduces the fault energy let through by more than 95 per cent compared with a conventional recloser when testing for faults, which results in a massive reduction of stress and damage to your equipment, all while improving reliability performance under Ofgem’s financial incentives on interruptions, which will be continuing into RIIO2 with some further tightening of targets.

S&C Electric Company’s IntelliRupter combines all of these features and allows for greater segmentation of the network. The number of devices that can be coordinated, increases segmentation resulting in fewer customers without power when a sustained outage occurs.

Bidirectional protection capabilities are also key and ensure systems are ready for increased levels of distributed generation which are an important part of meeting targets for decarbonisation. Technologies that can also be incorporated in existing protection schemes with heritage reclosers are vital and still provide the benefits that the IntelliRupter has to offer for example.

IntelliRupter units can be deployed on overhead and underground, or difficult-to-manage hybrid circuits with similar protection characteristics. They also benefit from a simple installation process, reducing initial O&M costs.

With the changing landscape of power generation, higher customer demand, and increasing fault currents, DNOs need to prepare for the grid of tomorrow and improve reliability by utilising innovative solutions such as the IntelliRupter today.

The author can be contacted at: Jonathan.Hopkins@sandc.com

For further information, visit: https://www.sandc.com/en/products–services/products/intellirupter-pulsecloser-fault-interrupter/